Some customers are experiencing “touch current” with their Dell laptops. They have reported a “tingling” sensation while using their Dell laptops.

What Dell is Saying:

• The notebook “tingling” situation being reported is not a safety issue.
• This issue is not specific to Dell.

 A “tingle” sensation may be felt while using any laptop computer with a 2-wire AC power source..

• The tingle sensation is not harmful to users or to system components.
• The touch current associated with notebook PCs with 2-wire adapters is extremely low and fully within safety and regulatory limits.

"Given the colder, drier environment associated with winter, some people may also occasionally experience a static shock when touching an appliance, door knob, lamp, car door or, possibly, a notebook computer.

This is not associated with the tingle sensation (touch current)."

Typically, the tingling sensation is not present when a 3-wire adapter is used.

If you feel this is something that you cannot accept. Call Technical Support. They have many options to assist you further.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Are two-wire adapter common and do they meet safety standards?

A. The two-wire notebook adapters commonly used across the industry generally meet relevant regulatory and safety standards. All of Dell’s 2 and 3 wire AC adapters far exceed relevant safety standards and regulations.

Q. Why would Dell / the industry use two-wire adapters if this is a known issue?

A. The notebook “tingling” situation being reported is not a safety issue, and is rarely experienced. The industry is moving to 2-wire adapters because they are more universal. They also provide an increased level of safety in some countries where 2 wire outlets are prevalent.

Q. How do I tell if I have a 2-wire adapter?

A. The most reliable way to determine the number of pins or wires is to do the following:

•          Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
•          Remove the AC power cord from the AC adapter
•          Count the pins that are visible where the AC cord was connected to the adapter.

If there are only two pins visible, this is a “two-wire” adapter.

Q. Does the aluminum palm rest on the XPS M1530 make the tingle more pronounced?

A. The aluminum palm rest provides a metal contact point similar to other notebook computers across the industry which also have metal alloy bases, LCD Backs and palm rests – any of which would be a contact point. Because the palm rest can contact the user’s wrist, which is more sensitive to tingle, customers may be more likely to notice the touch current.

Q. Some media are reporting this as electric shocks – are you sure Dell is talking about the same thing?

A. Some users who claim to have been shocked may have actually experienced a static shock, which is more likely to occur in winter during the cooler, drier weather.

The tingle as described by some customers is associated with touch current, which can occur on any notebook that is powered by a 2-wire adapter.

To be clear – this should not be confused with an electric shock. If a user experiences an electric shock from their computer other than a static discharge shock– or even suspect they have – they should safely unplug the system and call the notebook manufacturer or the utility company immediately.

Q. Do ALL Dell notebooks come with a 2-wire adapter?

A. Some Dell notebooks are shipped with 2-wire adapters and some are shipped with 3-wire adapters.

Q. If I have a 2 wire AC adapter, what should I do?

A. If you do not feel the tingle, you need not take any action. Two wire AC adapters are safe to use and are preferable in some cases where grounded outlets are not available.